Application of bioenergy in modern days: A review of current biomass conversion technologies with an integrated cross-pathway of suitable feedstock, environmental performance and techno-economic viability

In recent times, bioenergy has become a critical component of the global renewable energy transition, offering sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels while addressing waste management challenges. Part of the justifications for this was the awareness on environmental impacts of materials development and applications. Hence, this narrative review synthesizes peer-reviewed literature from 2019 to 2025 on biomass conversion technologies and their environmental, economic, and social sustainability dimensions. The study encompasses emerging conversion pathways, highlighting their efficiency, sustainability, and environmental trade-offs. The distinct contribution of this work relative to prior literature is the integrated cross-pathway decision framework that compares these technologies by feedstock suitability, moisture tolerance, technology readiness level, environmental hotspots, and best-fit applications, rather than treating each pathway in isolation. The review revealed that, recent advances in conversion technologies demonstrate significant potential for scaling up bioenergy production while minimizing negative environmental impacts through integrated biorefinery approaches and carbon capture utilization. Thus, this review examines the modern methods of biomass conversion, their environmental impacts, and future prospects for bioenergy applications. Future outlooks were also underscored for researchers to notice for more research and advancements. The paper established that, feedstock origin and composition are more determinative of sustainability performance than the choice of conversion technology.